Folding leg construction



June 4, 1935. J. K. MITCHELL 2,003,835

FOLDING LEG CONSTRUCTION Filed May 28, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 117 f JM- n WWU' ATTORNEY .lune 4, 1935. 1 Kl MITCHELL 2,003,835

FOLDING LEG CONSTRUCTION Filed May 2B, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY J.` K. MITCHELL FOLDING LEG CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 `lune 4, 1935.

Filed May 2s, 1954 June 4, 1935. J. K. M|TcHELL 2,003,835

FOLDING LEG CONSTRUCTION Filed May 28, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ATTORNEY June 4, 1935. J. K. MITCHELL 2,003,835

FOLDING LEG CONSTRUCTION Filed May 28, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 M INVENToR ATTORNEY Patented June 4, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE 11 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in tables having foldable legs, and more particularly to an improved socketed folding-leg construction.

Hltherto, folding tables, such as bridge tables and the like, have been characterized by generally weak structural resistance due to the frailty of the leg members and their inability to stand constant movement and operation of the leg members.

In addition, such tables have been generally built with an idea to lightness of structure where by to make them generally available for incidental uses at parties and about the home, and which uses required that the entire tables should be susceptible of being easily handled.

One of the chief difficulties found with bridge table structures has been the stability of the hinges and locking members for the legs.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved folding table of the bridge table type having a composite folding top coacting with the table frame and a double bottom to provide storage space for playing cards, score cards, and other paraphernalia, the table frame and bottom portion of the table compartment being further adapted to coact with an improved socket hinge structure for the table legs.

It is also a feature of the invention to provide a new socket hinge structure for table legs in which the legs are adapted to be positively seated in a socket hinged member when the table is in use, and in which the legs may be shifted out of the sockets and folded up under the table frame when not in use.

Yet another feature of this invention is the provision of improved socket hinged members for table legs'in which the legs are adapted to be automatically moved to their respective locked positions, either in the hinged sockets or folded under the table frame.

It is also a feature of this invention to provide an improved hinged member for incorporation in incidental tables and the like, in which the table legs may be inserted, the insertions being accomplished automatically by means of spring members secured to the table and the leg but outl of the central axis of the leg.

It is also a feature of this invention to provide an improved hinged member for incorporation in incidental tables and the like, in which the table legs may be inserted, the insertions being accomplished automatically by means of springs disposed exteriorly of the leg constructions but out of alignment with the central axis of the leg.

These and other desirable features and advantages of the present invention will be described hereinafter with respect to the drawings accompanying the present specification, it being understood that the examples set forth are given by way of illustration only, for since the underlying principles may be incorporated in other specic structural devices it is not intended to be limited to the structures shown unless such limitations are clearly imposed by the appended claims.

In the drawings, like numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views, of which:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of the top portion of a table structure showing the arrangement of the composite table cover sections, and the inner table compartments and coacting leg locking members;

Fig. 2 is a bipartite vertical section, partly in elevation through the table, showing the general arrangement of the table cover members, inner compartment, and table frame and leg locking and cover locking structures;

Fig. 3 is a corner detail, partly in elevation, of a removable playing surface member;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of an improved hinged member with a table leg in place;

Fig. 5 is a vertical section taken through a leg hinged member taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 6 is a vertical side elevation, partly ln broken section, of a hinged construction; l

Fig. '7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, showing a. front view of the hinged construction;

Fig. 8 is a vertical section taken on line 8 8 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 9 is an elevation of a corner bracket construction;

Fig. .10 is a horizontal section taken on line IU-IU of Fig. 6;

Fig. 11 is an elevation of a socket member adapted to be fitted to a table leg;

Fig. 12 is an elevation of a folded table with the table shown in open position below in dotted lines;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the bottom of a table with the legs in folded position;

Fig. 14 is a section of a table carrying member taken on line Il-H of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a side elevation of hinged member with the leg in initial open position;

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15 showing the leg being moved from the open to the folded-v po. sition; Y'

Fig. 17 shows the structure of Figs. 15and 16 in folded position;

Fig. 18 is a vertical section taken on line I8--I0 of Fig.

Fig. 19 is a top plan view of a hinge member;

Fig. 20 is a vertical section taken on line 20-20 of Fig. 19;

Fig. 21 is a top plan view of a table, partly in broken section, showing method of inserting a modified form of table hinge construction;

Fig. 22 is a view similar to Fig. 15 showing the details of the modified socket construction of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is similar to Fig. 17 and shows the leg in folded position;

Fig. 24 is a vertical section taken on line 24-24 of Fig. 21; and

Fig. 25 is a vertical section taken on line 25-25 of Fig. 22.

Referringnow more particularly to the drawings, the improved construction of the present invention comprises a table having a composite top member designated generally by the numeral |00, a body designated generally bythe numeral 200, leg members 300, and hinge or locking members 400.

The improved cover members of thepresent invention comprise a frame H0, having a central playing panel III disposed therein and adapted to be secured thereto by locking levers or members I I2. The playing panel may be provided with a pad surface H3 on which a demountable cloth H4 may be stretched and secured in position by means of thumb tacks or other suitable members I|5. The surface IIIa of the center panel IH may be painted or otherwise provided with playing surfaces of any suitable design, a checker board design being shown on IHb in Fig. 3.

The frame II 0 may be of any suitable material such aswood or the like, and is preferably provided with an overlay or surfacing H0 of micanite, stainless steel or other heat and burn resistant material, which is also susceptible of desired ornamentation and/or polishing. Separate connected corners I lia may be provided at the edges of the table frame, if desired, although any material such as micanite and the like be used eitherkas overlays or as inlays. A hinge II'I may be secured to the cover frame H0 and the table frame 200 in any suitable manner as by screws H8. The table cover is provided at the face opposite the hinge with a locking catch member H9 adapted to coact with the suitable spring lock H9a mounted in the front panel 20| of the table frame 200.

The table frame comprises side frames or apron members 20|, a center panel 202 rabbeted in the frames, as indicated at 203, and preferably provided with angular cut-out portions 204 disposed at the corners and adapted to receive the hinged locking members 400, as will be described more in detail hereinafter. The member 202 is spaced a sufficient depth from the top of the apron members 20|, as indicated at 205, to provide a compartment 206 when the table cover is closed in place. In this compartment a container 201 may be hinged, as indicated at 200, this container being adapted to receiveplaying cards, score pads and like game materials. Other similar structures may be disposed in the compartment 206, if desired. By providing the locking member H9a the table cover may be releasably held in position during use. A handle 202a may be secured to the panel member 202 of the table to aid in carrying the table when not in use.

, ing plates 422.

'I'he table legs 300 may be of any suitable construction, and preferably tapered not only to secure added lightness where made of solid material, but also to improve the appearance thereof.

Referring now to Figs. 4 to 25, inclusive, particular note will be had to a novel feature of the invention as disclosed in respect to socket hinges for folding table legs. These hinges, as noted above, are designated generally, for purposes of convenience, by the numeral 400. The socket parts comprise a plate or triangular bracket generally designated by numeral 4I0, a leg receiving socket 420, and a ferrule 430 for a table leg. In addition, a leg actuating spring member 440 and associated pins is provided for purposes to be described more in detail hereinafter.

Referring now in more detail to the base member of the present construction, the triangular bracket comprises a plate number 4H, usually provided with an apertured socket portion 4I2 in the corner thereof. The bracket member is provided with depending sides 4I3 having a plurality of screw holes 4|4 for securing the bracket to the table frame apron 20%. The side Walls 4 I3 are flared outwardly at the bottoms to form the flanges 4I5 which are adapted to nest against and abut with the underside of table frame member 20|. These flanges are provided with a plurality of screw holes 4 I4, as shown, thus enabling the triangular bracket 4I0 to be rmly secured in place in each corner of the table. Due to this construction and the method of assembly, the triangular brackets also serve as sti'ening and supporting members for the table structure.

The improved hinge construction, as noted above, includes in the combination a socket member 420 secured thereto in any suitable manner as by welding, brazing or soldering. The improved socket member comprises a generally U-shaped structure having a flat surface 42| terminating in upstanding cam plates or lock- 'Ihe cam plates 422^are provided with angular cut-outs 422a at the top thereof permitting the extending of a section 422b above level of the bracket plate 4| I. The cut-out portions 422a are abutted against the underside of plates 4I and, as noted herein, the entire socket member is integrally secured to the bracket member. The arrangement of the cut-out portions permits the positive seating of the socket member in place in the bracket construction, and permits the latter to act as a jig while the socket is being secured in place. It is to be noted that by increasing the height of the sections 422D of the socket members, as shown in Figs 21 to 25, inclusive, and the extent to which they may extend above the base plate 4II of the bracket, the depth of the panel 202 in the table top may be correspondingly reduced, thus permitting an even more positive seating of the legs in locked operative position without increase in the height of the table. The side Walls 4I3 of the bracket construction will be correspondingly reduced, as shown at 4|3a in Figs. 22 and 23.

A brace or stop member 423 is disposed between the open ends of the cam plates, and forms with the body of the socket member a socket or aperture designated generally bythe numeral 424, which is substantially coextensive with the socket portion 4|2 of the base plate 4I| of the bracket construction.

'Ihe cam plates 422 are provided with cam surfaces 425 adapted to receive a guide pin 426 inserted in the central transverse axis of the leg 300 and near the top thereof. The cam surfaces are so configured and arranged as to require a definite seating of the pin 420 in the upper portion 425a of the cam socket, and a linear withdrawal of the leg from the socket before it can be swung forward into the angular cam surface 425b where the leg is permitted to tilt and fold up under the apron or side member 20| of the table frame proper. This movement of the leg into the folded' position or reversely into the locked position is aided and accentuated by the cooperation of the spring member 440 acting on a spring supporting pin 44 l, which pin is disposed transversely in the upper part of the leg below and to the inward side of the guide pin 420. 'I'he spring supporting pin is disposed in the leg parallel to the guide pin and the rear side thereof, so as to place it eccentrically of the axis of the leg. The spring 440 is secured to the bracket member at an angle thereof and next to the outer cam plate, there being securely positioned by hooking the spring 440 in an eyelet member 442.

When the table leg 300 is seated in the socket, as noted, the upper end 30| preferably extends up through the socket and above the upper level of the bracket plate 4|| being thus positioned well inside of the main table panel 202. With this construction it will be seen' that the leg 300 is adapted to be very firmly seated in a socket, and to be held in position thereagainst by the action of the spring 440. As this spring acts on spring supporting pin 44| out of the central axis of the leg, the guide pin 426 is positively forced into contact with the upper cam surface 425 and locked therein. The spring 440 is so constructed and arranged that when the guide pin 426 of the leg member 300 is in position against cam surface 425a, there is substantially a lessened, continued tension on the spring. It will be noted that the socket spacing member 423 coacts with the upper end of the ferrule 430 and the plate 4|| to give a two-point or double surface support for the leg in the socket, thus assuring rigidity of the leg when the table is in use.

To facilitate and guide the leg in and out of position in the socket and key the same in position, the upper portion of the leg maybe cut away, as shown at 302, to give a clearance to the same when it passes the guide pin 303, which' is secured to the side Walls of the bracket. The ends of the spring-supporting pin are adapted to engage recesses 421 formed at the bottom of cam surface 428 of the cam face plates 420. When nested in recesses 421 the spring supporting pin supplements the action of the guide pin, which is nested in recesses 4250., and gives an added two-point locking factor to the leg in its position in addition to the support provided by the socket member itself.

To withdraw the leg from the socket it will be necessary to apply a direct downward pull in order to unseat pins 426 and 44| from recesses 42511, and 421, respectively, as shown more in detail in Fig. 15. When the leg 300 is moved to the neutral position, shown in Fig. 16, it will be seen that the spring 440 is at its maximum stretch, and the guide pin 426 is in engagement with the forward recessed portion 42 5b of the cam plate. The leg 300 when moved up or folded under the table frame occupies the position shown in nested position. It will be noted that the tension of the spring in this position will merely be sufficient to maintain the leg in balanced position. When the table is shaken vigorously the inertia of the weight of the several legs causes them to drop downwardly, and when the linear axis of spring 440 passes below the position of guide pin 425 the leg will be pulled over by the spring 440 towards the socket and into position therein, being locked by the seating of the guide spring supporting pins in their respective recesses. Where desired the guide pin 426 may be omitted if the face 422 of the socket member are formed plain i tead of with internal cam surfaces. In such a ase the leg will be pivoted about 423 of the socket construction.

It will thus be seen that there has been provided a novel table leg hinge construction, in which a iioating guide pin is disposed and guided by cam surfaces, the leg being spring actuating so as to cause the leg to snap into a locked or folded position automatically when the actuating spring passes on one side or the other of the floating pin or leg fulcrum member.

For certain types of table constructions where itis not desired to have a double bottom table or where it is desired merely to incorporate the folding leg and automatic hinge features of the present invention to tables generally, the bracket member 4|0 may have a continuous upper surface 4|| with the usual depending side walls 4|3, the socket 420 being secured in place in the bracket construction in the usual manner. This construction is shown more in detail in Figs. 19 and 20, and it is to be noted here that table leg 3|0 of metal, and preferably tubular in form, may be used, the construction generally conforming to that of the wooden legs 300.

'Ihe socket members 420 and the associated leg portions, including ferrule 430, may beeither straight sided or tapered, as desired, a tapered construction giving a desired increase in seatingv effect.

Referring more specifically to the details shown in Figs. 21 to 25, the table leg construction is shown as incorporated in an ordinary table 500, having a solid table top 50| and a subjacent panel member 502, secured to table frame members or aprons 503, and to which the top 50| is itself secured. The panel 502 may be suitably apertured at the corners to receive the enlarged socket members 422e of the hinge bracket construction. 'Ihe hinge bracket is thus positively secured to the table members and serves to support them, in addition to serving as leg holding devices.

The novel improvements of the present invention with respect to the improved hinge leg constructions may be applied to a variety of types of table members. The constructions are characterized by the usual hinge features, and may include a socket or hinge member having a socket extending well into the table body providing an improved depth of seat for the ferrule or top of the table leg.

The improvements of the present invention include a variety of tables having both removable and fixed tops, either unitary or composite in construction, and adapted to receive and hold removable table surfacings, and, in addition comprise novel automatic or snap hinge constructions for folding legs. In these constructions the legs are adapted to be folded under the table aprons o: snap locked in vertical operating position. The improved hinge mechanism not only includes triangular corner brace members for the table, but

also includes socket members for the table legs. With the socket members are associated floating hinge constructions which are spring actuated and which serve to permit a positive seating of the table leg in its socket in a rapid, efficient and positive manner. 'Ihe several parts of the construction are simple in form and operation, yet permit the utilization of folding leg constructions for a variety of table uses and insure completed constructions, which are susceptible of long, usable life.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a hinge construction for folding table legs, the improvements comprising, a bracket in each corner of the frame and secured thereto, socket members integral with the brackets and adapt-ed to receive leg members, spaced pins flxedly secured in theI leg members and laterally displaced with respect to each other out of alignment with the axes of the leg, said pins being adapted to engage spaced locking means on the socket members, and spring means connected to one of said pins and said plates tending to move the legs into either locked or folded positions.

2. An improved folding leg construction for bridge tables and the like, comprising an angular support member having depending flange aprons, a socket member secured to and within the angular member, the socket memberhaving its sides provided with cam surfaces, a spring member secured to the angular member at the outside inner corner of the socket member, a table leg having an upper transversal axial pin fitted in the cam surfaces of the socket, and a second pin displaced axially of said first pin and engaged by said spring member whereby to urge the leg into open or closed position when the leg is disposed at any position other than a mid-way position.

3. A hinge construction for folding table legs comprising an angular corner member having a base plate and depending side wall plates forming a trihedral angle, a socket member comprising spaced cam plates disposed in said trihedral angle and secured to said corner member, a plurality of external and internal cam surfacings formed on the cam plates adapted to receive and seat guide and locking pins of an associated table leg.

4. An improved hinge construction for folding table legs comprising, in combination, an angular corn'er member having a base plate and depending side wall plates forming a trihedral angle, a socket member comprising spaced cam plates disposed in said trihedral angle and secured to said corner member; a ferrule conformed to the socket member and adapted to be moved therein and gripped thereby, cam surfacings associated with said cam plates, a guide pin' in the ferrule and transversely thereof, said guid/e pin being adapted to engage the cam surfacings of the cam plates and serve as a floating pivot therein, a separate pin member positioned transversely of and at the bottom of the ferrule, and a spring member secured to the corner member and the last named pin member and adapted to maintain the ferrule in seated position in said socket member. 'l

5. In a construction as described in claim 4, the improvement comprising a spacer plate disposed across the cam plates and adapted toreceive the ferrule and permit the latter to be rotated thereabout as a fulcrum.

6. In a construction as described in claim 4, the improvements comprising a plurality of recessed cam surfaces on. said cam plates, the recesses being adapted to receive and seat the transverse pins of the associated leg ferrule.

'7. In a construction of the type described, the combination of a trihedral corner member, an internally and externally cam surfaced socket member disposed in the trihedral angle, a folding leg member having a transverse pin at the upper end thereof and forming a floating pivot, said pin member being adapted to be engaged by the internal cam surfaces of said first member, and separate spring-urged means directly connecting said corner member and said leg member for urging the leg into erected or folded position.

8. In tables and like articles of furniture, having folding legs, foldable inwardly of and under the table frame, the improvements comprising table leg socket members secured under and to the table at the corners thereof and adapted to serve as braces therefor, table legs adapted to engage the sockets, said table legs being provided with` floating pivots and transverse guiding pins, and means comprising a plurality of internal and external cam surfaces formed in said socket members severally adapted to engage and guide said floating pivots and transverse guiding pins and seat same in said internal and external cam surfaces respectively when the legs are in locked position.

9. An improved folding table leg hinge construction, comprising, in combination, a generally tubular body portion, a table leg removably nested in the body portion, pairs of opposed cam surfaces formed internally and externally of said body portion, a transverse pivot disposed in a central axis of the leg and adapted to form a floating pivot when in engagement with said internal cam surfaces, a second pin disposed below said transverse pivot transversely of the leg and out of the central axis thereof, said body portion being out away at least a sufcient distance in such a manner as to form external cam surfaces having locking recesses whereby to permit rotation of the leg member about said pivot and the cam surfaces through an angle of substantially 96, and means connected to said socket and said second pin for urging said table leg into nested engagement with said socket.

10. An improved hinged table leg for tables and the like comprising, in combination, a socket member, means secured to the socket member for aiixing same to a table; a separate, removable leg member adapted to mate with said socket member, a pivot member and a guide member in the leg, means associated with the socket member for movably engaging and guiding said pivot and guide members when the table leg is moved out of position, and spring means secured to the socket member and the guide member of the leg for holding the leg in locked position in the socket and permitting the leg to be withdrawn from the socket and moved to a position at right angles thereto.

1l. In a folding leg device for tables and the like a socket member comprising an apron portion, flanges on the apron for engaging a table, a socket member secured to the said apron and at an angle thereof, the said socket member having an upper seating portion and having one side cut away to permit a leg member to nt therein, at least one side oi said socket having an in- 5 ternal cam surfacing, the said leg being provided with a pair of transverse pivot and guide pins, one of said pins being adapted to move on and engage said internal cam surfacing in the socket member and serve as a floating pivot, at least one side of the socket member adjacent the cut-away side being provided with an external cam surfacing having a locking recess at its lower portion, said surfacing being adapted to be engaged by the guide pin of a table leg whereby said table. leg may be swung into and out of the seating portion of the receiving socket.

JOHN MITCHELL. 

